STAGES2017

Festival weekendFebruary25th26th

The Gala show will be held on SunApril 2nd

Thank you for your interest in Stages 2017. Below you should find all the information you need to help prepare your performance but if you do have any questions please call, text or email me, details below.

THE AIMS OF STAGES

  • To provide the opportunity for all pupils from Bristol Schools and dance groups to create and perform dance in a professional setting.
  • To inspire quality and creativity in dance in Bristol Schools.
  • To raise the profile of dance locally and nationally.
  • To encourage new schools to participate each year.
  • To increase awareness of routes of progression to students.

IS IT A COMPETITION?

No, Stages is not a competition.

There are no winners or losers.

The Gala comprises about 25 dances selected from the 90 entered in festival weekend.
The thinking behind the Gala is to showcase the best work being created in schools across age, genre and geography to which we invite councillors, MP’s and other VIPs.

Some schools are selective and audition on ability for their groups. Others are totally inclusive, allowing any one who wants to take part; they place no emphasis on the Gala whatsoever, just enjoying the experience of performing on a big stage to a large audience as part of a very professional show. There is a place for both of these approaches.

The gala can be quite contentious, some schools love it and some hate it. Some schools do not want to be considered for entry to the gala at all. It really is up to individual teachers to consider how they pitch it to their students. Schools are asked periodically whether they still want to have the Gala show and the result is always a resounding “yes”. The main benefit of the gala is that it pushes the quality of dance (especially in the secondary schools) and comments have been made to this effect in the past.

HOW MANY DANCES/PARTICIPANTS?

Many schools like to enter more than one dance; this is perfectly ok as long as the participants in each dance entered are different. E.g. you might want to enter reception and Y6, or Y7 and Y10. We can cope with up to about 40 participants in one group.The only rule is that no school can have more than two dances in any one show. In recent years Stages has been oversubscribed and we reserve the right to cut the number of entries if necessary.

WHAT WILL IT COST THE SCHOOL?

Nothing, all costs are covered via ticket sales; I do everything I can to keep prices as low as possible.

WE NEED HELP!

Many primary schools have no dance specialist and approach this challenge in a variety of ways;

  • Ican help you find professional choreographic support at reasonable rates.
  • Some schools get assistance from students or staff at their local secondary school.
  • Ask the parents.
  • Schools have entered dances taught by teacher’s children.

Please call me for help with any of the above.

LENGTH OF DANCE

KS1- Maximum 2.30 sec. All other age groups - Maximum three (3) minutes only.

But don’t feel you have to fill this time, it might seem short but it really isn’t, dances can be shorter (and better for it!). I need to get running times from you in February, (don’t worry I will remind you), if you submit a dance longer than 3 mins you will find yourself in the unenviable position of having to edit it.

STYLE/GENRE

Anything you like. Please see the choreography check list elsewhere for a few tips. But remember, especially if allowing older students to create their own pieces, that there are very young children (and easily embarrassed Dads!) in the audience.

You must check and approve costumes andlyrics.

I have in the past had to ask schools to change music which was inappropriate for the age group.

STAGE DIMENSIONS

8m x11m. Approx 1m from the front of the stage is taped as a “no go zone”. This is also a good visual line for bows to be taken at.

COSTUMES

Costumes can make a huge difference to your performance; the Colston Hall is a large auditorium. But - simplicity can be very effective. (I have seen schools let down both by a lack of costumes AND over elaborate costumes).

Stage drape is a white screen which is used for lighting effects, the floor is grey; remember this when deciding costume colour.

In the interests of child protection, all children/students must be dressed appropriately and decently for public performance.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please be aware that we do not restrict the taking of photos or filming of Stages. Most parents wish to photograph/film their children while performing and this will not be stopped. Press, (both print and TV), are invited to attend and will publish/show images of young people performing. Images may be used by Bristol Plays Music and the Bristol Music Trust on their own website, social media sites and for publicity purposes. Unfortunately, if you have children who cannot be photographed they should not be allowed to perform at Stages. It is the responsibility of the school/group to ensure that parents/carers are aware and understand this. No children will be identified by name unless specific permission is sought.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Complete the simple entry form to register your interest. All communication will be via email so please ensure you send me an address that is checked regularly and that you know info will be passed on to you (emails are sent as a group so will not be sent F.A.O. particular individuals to a general school address).

TOO MANY ENTRIES?

We do have to limit the length of shows/number of young people taking part. If the shows are oversubscribed the following factors will be taken into consideration;

Non school based groups, outside Bristol (e.g. N.Somerset, S. Glos). This means that if you are a non Bristol/non school based dance group you will be the first to go.

.

Please return all information to;

Shona Symons, Bristol Plays Music

Tel: 0117 204 7137 0778 691 3683